I would give the board a B. The current Board of Selectmen has done very well in the last year. We worked together on a lot of issues like finding a good town manager. If the board continues to work cooperatively then more things will get done in this town.

2. Over the years, several officials have said that Hampton, at times, is a divided community. Do you agree with this statement and if yes what would you do to change that?

There are many factions in the town of Hampton. Some have always worked well together, others have not. I think when people start putting the town of Hampton first rather than their own individual thoughts and needs, then we can get a lot more things done to move this town forward.

3. Some have said that you have served four terms on the board and there needs to be a change. What do you say to your critics?

I bring experience and an openness to fresh ideas. I have a knowledge of what has happened in the past. I know what has worked and what hasn't work. I ran 12 years ago on having an open and honest government and I will continue to do that. I want to continue to make Hampton a great place live.

Age: 60

Family: wife, two children, 1 grandchild

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education from Salem and a master's from Cambridge College.

Public Service: Former Planning Board member, school moderator and current Cemetery Trustee.

Years in town: 37

Occupation: Special police officer Hampton Police Department, retired teacher from the Boxford (Mass.) Public Schools after 37 years.

1. What letter grade would you give the current Board of Selectmen?

I would give them a B. I think the board needs to make more decisions on their own. The struggle between the Budget Committee and selectmen needs to stop. There is a point where the selectmen need to be the committee that they are charged to be. The lines need to be well defined. Somebody in the end needs to be in control, someone in the end needs to take responsibility for the decisions made.

2. Over the years, several officials have said that Hampton, at times, is a divided community. Do you agree with this statement and if yes what would you do to change that?

We need to unite the people in this town. The faction of beach vs. town and town vs. beach is an injustice to Hampton. I live in Hampton. Hampton Beach is in Hampton. The fact that we try to divide it into two separate entities is a disservice to all of us. We are one conglomeration. We need to get together and compromise on things. The Precinct is probably the largest lobby in this town. They are well funded and they have a lot of organized members. To ignore them and try to railroad over them is not going to serve a purpose. But at the same point the precinct has to understand they are part of this town.

3. Some have questioned the fact that you are running as selectmen but still employed by the police department as a special police officer. They have questioned whether you would have union interests at heart over what is in the best interest of the town. What do you say to your critics?

I have always marched to my own drum beat. Anyone who thinks differently, then they don't understand me and they truly never met me. What I do as a motorcycle cop has no impact on what I'm going to be doing as selectmen.

I have a very solid reputation of treating people fairly and in the end I think that is what everybody wants and that is what I will do.

Age: 55

Family: Single

Education: ASEE Wentworth Institute, Boston

Public service: Budget Committee, 2006 Beach Fire Station Committee

Years in town: 8 years

Occupation: Carpenter. Investor, 30 years of management experience. Wang Labs and former owner and founder of Reliable Technologies in Manchester, NH.

1. What letter grade would you give the current Board of Selectmen?

I would give them a C. I think they have made positive steps in making local government more transparent with the increase of meeting coverage on Channel 22, videos of those meeting on the town's Web site and the monthly financial report. The addition of Finance Director Michael Schwotzer and Town Manager Fred Welch are positive steps. I still believe the board needs to become a lot more sensitive to the taxpayer. For example, if you take the proposed operating budget, which is very fiscally responsible, and combine it with the selectmen recommended warrant articles, the selectmen are proposing a 12 percent increase in spending. That is not sensitive to the taxpayers.

2. Over the years, several officials have said that Hampton, at times, is a divided community. Do you agree with this statement and if yes what would you do to change that.

I agree that there are issues between "The Town" and "The Beach." I believe that town government needs to be more responsive and do a better job of listening to the people who live on the beach in the areas of planning, zoning and individuals addressing issues with their properties. The Precinct Commissioners need to back off on their position related to the land for the beach fire station and revert to the original 2002 agreement so that we can get a new beach fire station built.

3. Some have put you in the category as a "naysayer" and that you don't support any projects that move the town forward. What do you say to your critics?

I support addressing the fire station facilities. I just don't support the current plans at the level of spending that is being proposed. I'm opposed to spending $4.6 million on the headquarters. My assumption is that voters will turn that down and I will be working for a $2½ million headquarters fire station.

Age: 69

Family: wife, six children, eight grandchildren

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree, master's in Business.

Public Service: None

Years in town: 30

Occupation: BAE Systems in Nashua. Technical Operations Department

1. What letter grade would you give the current Board of Selectmen?

It would be a fair to good grade. I think the board made a great effort in attempting to reconcile the wage and health contribution disputes and come to terms on a new three-year contract. The warrant articles may not be passed but the effort put forth was genuine and should be recognized. Other issues that have come up, like how the budgets are reviewed and passed upon, I've been less impressed about. If I was elected, I would suggest that the selectmen become more intimately involved in the budget process.

2. Over the years, several officials have said that Hampton, at times, is a divided community. Do you agree with this statement and if yes what would you do to change that.

I don't agree with that. I don't see this as a divided community. I have been here for 30 years and I don't see a we/they or a you/them type of behavior. If elected, I would attempt to work with the beach and Chamber and make sure we have a good relationship with one another so when things come up like the location for a new beach fire station, there is less of a problem. We all should be working together for a common end or goal for the good of the people of Hampton.

3. Several well-known residents have said that you don't have a chance to win because you don't have any name recognition? What do you say to your critics?

I recognize that I do not have name recognition. I have been dedicated to bringing up my family but I will run on my merits. For those who know me, they understand that I have good credentials; a strong work ethic, am honest and assertive and will work on behalf of the citizens of Hampton with vigor. I believe that the citizens of Hampton want new people to get involved and bring fresh thoughts and ideas and renewed vigor to the table. The Hampton residents now have an opportunity for change and I ask for their vote.

Town meetings

Vote on candidates, budget and other warrant articles on Tuesday, March 11 at Marston School from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more candidates see the Tuesday, March 4 and Friday, March 7 editions of the Hampton Union. For other Town Meeting news visit www.seacoastonline.com/townmeetings

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